Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia

My name is Olivia Sililo, and I’m 47 years old. I live in Katima Mulilo in the Zambezi region. My life changed in 2007 when I joined the Zambezi Saving Scheme. Back then, I was unemployed and struggling to make ends meet. I realized that to improve my life, I needed to start saving money. Without savings, it’s difficult to achieve anything important, like having a home or providing for my family. Through the federation, I learned how to save money. At first, I started with small amounts, but over time, those little savings added up. I was able to pay my children’s school fees without worrying, which felt like a huge relief. Eventually, I saved enough to buy a plot of land and build a decent house. After years of living in a shack, I finally had a place to call home. This change made a big difference in my life. I no longer had to borrow money from others or feel ashamed about my living situation. The impact of these changes went beyond just my home. They helped our entire community.